By Steve Metsch
Bridgeview’s police department has two new employees, while the fire department has a new firefighter/paramedic.
The personnel additions were unanimously approved by the board at its matinee meeting on June 15.
Adolfo Garcia was appointed as a full-time police officer. Mayor Steve Landek submitted his name for board approval.
Garcia had worked as a police officer in Chicago, Landek said.
Paul DeSilva was appointed as a part-time police officer. Landek also submitted his name to the board.
Brian Maldanado was appointed a firefighter/paramedic from the personnel board’s eligibility list, which is posted in the village hall’s lobby.
“We need it, with all the retirees,” Trustee Norma Pinion said of the appointments.
“Well,” Landek replied, “we’re keeping up. Our staffing levels are good.”
Landek said several appointments have been made to the police and fire departments in recent months “because we’ve had a lot of retirees (who have worked) 25 to 30 years.”
“We have to refill our ranks,” Landek said. “This is not people who have left because they didn’t want to work here.”